About
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest,
largest, and most selective honor society for all academic disciplines. Its chapters
are on more than 300 campuses in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.
Each year, approximately 30,000 members are initiated. Chapter 32 of The University
of Georgia was installed on December 1, 1923.
Since its founding, Phi Kappa Phi has initiated more than 1 million members into its
ranks; all of these members have received emblems and certificates of membership.
However, Phi Kappa Phi is much more than an emblem and a line on a résumé. It is a
global network comprised of the best and brightest from all academic disciplines—a
community of scholars and professionals building an enduring legacy for future generations.
The caliber of leadership and the value of Phi Kappa Phi's Membership to The University
of Georgia is evident in the list of the Charter Members, among whom, seven of the
42 original initiates are remembered through the buildings which bear their names:
Chancellor David C. Barrow, Treasurer T. W. Reed, Dean C.M. Snelling, Professor R.
L. McWhorter, President Andrew M. Soule, Professor W. O. Payne and Miss Mary Creswell.
It is interesting to note where this distinguished group choose to celebrate the auspicious
occaision: "After the installation ceremonies, the Society went to the College Cafeteria,
where a banquet was served."